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Support for Chromecast (1st gen) Discontinued
Google has recently made a significant announcement regarding its iconic Chromecast (1st gen) device. The company has quietly decided to halt support for this groundbreaking streaming device, which means that it will no longer receive software or security updates. With nearly 10 years of support under its belt, the Chromecast (1st gen) has had an impressive run in the realm of consumer electronics. Priced at a modest $35, it has become a staple in countless households. However, Google warns that users may begin to experience a decline in performance as a result of this decision.
The Final Firmware Version: 1.36.159268
As we delve into the details, it’s worth noting that the last firmware version released for the 2013 Chromecast is 1.36.159268. This update, which included bug fixes and improvements, was released in November of 2022. Interestingly, it marked the first update in over three years, leaving users longing for further enhancements and refinements.
Support Page Update Confirms the End
The Chromecast firmware versions and release notes support page, last updated on April 27, 2023, provides official confirmation of the termination of support for the Chromecast (1st gen). According to Google, these devices will no longer receive software or security updates, and technical support will no longer be available. Consequently, users may encounter a degradation in performance, signaling the end of an era for this beloved streaming device.
Unveiling the First-Generation Chromecast
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and recall the inception of the Chromecast (1st gen). Shaped like a key, it boasted an HDMI port on one end and a micro-USB port for power on the other, complete with an included adapter. Its sleek design featured the word “Chrome” and the browser’s logo engraved on the top. While its affordability was a key selling point, its specifications, including 512MB of RAM and 2GB of storage, allowed it to punch above its weight. Moreover, its model number, H2G2-42, was a delightful nod to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, referring to the “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.”
A Stream of Successors
Following the footsteps of its trailblazing predecessor, Google introduced the second-generation Chromecast, adopting a puck-shaped form factor, two years later. In parallel, the Chromecast Audio was unveiled, offering an enhanced audio streaming experience. Subsequently, the “Ultra” model joined the lineup in 2016 at the inaugural Made by Google event, catering to users seeking 4K HDR video streaming capabilities. The third-generation Chromecast arrived in 2018, marking the end of an era for Cast-powered streaming devices from Google, as subsequent models transitioned to the Google TV platform.
Reflecting on the Legacy
As we bid farewell to the Chromecast (1st gen), it’s essential to acknowledge its remarkable contributions to the world of streaming devices. Its affordability, combined with its simplicity and ease of use, brought streaming capabilities to the masses. By transforming any TV with an HDMI port into a smart TV, the Chromecast enabled users to access a vast array of online content effortlessly. It played a pivotal role in shaping the streaming landscape and paved the way for subsequent iterations and innovations in the realm of home entertainment.
Opinion: The Chromecast (1st gen)’s Impact on the Streaming Revolution
The discontinuation of support for the Chromecast (1st gen) may leave some users feeling nostalgic, as they bid farewell to a device that played a significant role in their streaming experiences. Despite its modest specifications, the first-generation Chromecast managed to captivate audiences worldwide with its accessibility and affordability. By democratizing streaming technology, it paved the way for a new era of home entertainment.
Looking Ahead: Embracing the Future of Streaming
As we enter a new era of streaming devices, Google TV stands as the torchbearer of the future. While it may be a bittersweet farewell to the Chromecast (1st gen), users can now explore the exciting possibilities that Google TV brings to the table. With advanced features, enhanced user interfaces, and seamless integration with other smart devices, Google TV promises to redefine our streaming experiences.
Google’s decision to discontinue support for the Chromecast (1st gen) marks the end of an era. As users bid adieu to a device that transformed their TVs into smart entertainment hubs, they are left with memories of a revolutionary streaming device that set the stage for a streaming revolution. While the Chromecast (1st gen) may no longer receive updates or technical support, its legacy lives on as we embrace the future of streaming with Google TV.


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TikTok, Facebook to settle privacy disputes for millions – a win for data culture?
Clubhouse social app another blow to China citizen privacy
Singapore contact tracing – a let down for citizen data privacy
Apple app store labels a win for data privacy culture
Facebook could be broken up over antitrust rulings
Balancing security, collaboration and safe (remote) working
Microsoft buying TikTok — could it resolve Australia’s security concerns?
Could the pandemic affect our perspective on smart cities?
TikTok to leave Hong Kong ‘within days’ amid global scrutiny
Digital privacy: Phantom.me help users become ‘invisible’ online
While the US gathers allies, China silently achieved semiconductor breakthrough
1 August, 2022
TikTok dethrones Google as the new search engine?
2 August, 2022
Chip shortage: The lack of “chips to make chips” is exacerbating the shortage by another 2 years
27 June, 2022

domain: news


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The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that online retailer Amazon is set to open its first ever physical store in midtown Manhattan, directly across from the Empire State Building.
The online retailer’s midtown Manhattan location was revealed on Thursday by The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed people familiar with Amazon’s plans. The anticipated Amazon Store is apparently on track to open in time for the holidays at 7 West 34th St, located inside a 12-story building.
The location will reportedly contain a limited inventory, and will also serve as a “mini-warehouse” for the company. The new location will offer same-day delivery, and will also allow New Yorkers to pick up orders placed online, as well as allow them to return and exchange products.
Amazon is also said to using the space as a showcase for its first-party hardware, including the Kindle e-readers, Kindle Fire lie of tablets, the Fire TV set-top box, and the struggling Fire Phone. (The handset started at $199 in July, but was marked down to $1 (with a two-year contract) just two months later.)
If Amazon does feature its own electronics line, it will be competing head-to-head with Apple, who sells its own popular electronic devices via its own bricks-and-mortar locations in Manhattan, which include: Fifth Avenue, West 14th Street, the Upper West Side, SoHo, and a location inside Grand Central Terminal.


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Amazon has come under a lot of scrutiny for failing to protect its workers during the COVID-19 crisis. However, in an attempt to make its warehouses safer for its employees, the company now has a new solution. Amazon is deploying machine learning algorithms to warn its employees when they come too close to each other.
The company’s new ‘Distance Assistant’ comes with depth sensors, a TV, and a camera to track worker’s movements. The machine learning algorithm keeps a track of employees positions and their distance from each other. If a worker comes too close to another, the circles around their feet flash red on the TV screen. Otherwise, the circles remain green.
The ‘Distance Assistant’ is completely self-contained, by the way, so it can be easily moved around as needed, and quickly deployed anywhere.
As mentioned by Brad Porter, vice president of Amazon Robotics in a blog post, Amazon is currently testing these devices in a handful of its facilities. However, the company is planning on rolling them out to hundreds of its warehouses in the coming weeks. Moreover, the company is saying that it will open-source the technology so anyone can use it. Mostly though, Amazon is hoping this will be used by other companies to quickly create similar ‘Distance Assistants’ for their requirements.
All that said, the device does raise some eyebrows. Privacy advocates are claiming that technologies like this will normalise a higher-level of surveillance in our day to day lives. Amazon itself has been at the center of criticisms for gruelling work conditions at its facilities.


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If the idea of watching movies and catch-up TV via your PlayStation appeals, then you will be happy to hear that Sony plans to launch ITV Player and a PS3 movie streaming service in the UK this coming October.
Sony's announced at GamesCom in Germany this week that Sony will get another streaming film service called Mubi, which will launch in October.
The service will appear on the XMB, alongside iPlayer and the like.
Sony also announced that the PS3 will also be getting additional TV on-demand services, such as ITV Player.
However, the rumoured agreement with Channel 4 to bring 4OD to the platform was not mentioned.
You will access the movie streaming service via PlayTV's crossbar. Mubi will also include a number of community features, such as a forum for discussing your favourite flicks, alongside a rating system.
Ad-supported subscription packages
Costing is still to be finalised, though Sony is promising an ad-related subscription plan. We will of course bring you further news on that when we have it.
IPTV content agreements have been signed with providers in the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and Finland.
Finally, in addition to movie streaming on PlayTV, Sony also announced a new service called PlayTV Chat, with features such as Facebook integration and live chat with friends.


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The New Normal - Business in 2020 & Beyond
In our first interaction we bring to you expert opinion by Mr. Subhash Kumar COO, Nearby Technologies, on the Indian FinTech Industry.He is very positive about the industry outlook and says ," We are very excited about the future and see 10 to 15% growth potential month on month in all services that we currently offer."
Q.1. What has been the impact of COVID on the FinTech industry?
A significant portion of our transactions originated from migrants who earned in cities and sent money to their families back home. COVID led to large scale loss in livelihood, impacting both them and their families. The Direct Money Transfer business saw an initial slump as people struggled for existence. The Government relief package of Rs. 1.75 lakh crore came as a breather and the money started hitting beneficiary bank accounts by April. Everything was fine upto this point. The problem arose in giving citizens access to this money that was lying in their accounts.
There are less than 25,000 ATMs servicing 6,00,000+ villages housing more than 800 million people in the country. With lockdown and loss in mobility, people found it extremely difficult to access the relief funds. This is where the Business Correspondent network or the banking mitras played a vital role.
At PayNearby, our Digital Pradhans spread across 17,000 PIN codes braved the pandemic and created a safe and hygienic environment at their outlets, from where citizens could easily access these relief funds and stay afloat. In April to June, we saw a three fold increase in Aadhaar enabled cash withdrawals, and helped citizens access over Rs. 9,000 crores of DBT funds in this period. Soon, we also started seeing some reverse money migration, where rural areas started sending money to cities to aid the out-of-job workforce.
A significant development at PayNearby, during this period, was the launch of our online jobs registry, JobsNearby. This facility is available at all PayNearby outlets, and is our endeavor to give back to our customers, and help the unemployed workforce get back on feet, by connecting them to relevant job openings.
Q.2. How has the industry conducted business during this pandemic?
One of the most important things that needed to be implemented to conduct business in this period was to create safety and hygiene protocols for our Digital Pradhans, who braved the pandemic and kept their outlets open to serve the country. We undertook significant awareness campaigns to ensure that health protocols were maintained in all our outlets. For our customers to have easy access to products that they needed to survive the pandemic, we worked with partners to launch affordable COVID insurance policies, set hygiene protocols for secure cash withdrawals and launched UPI QR codes for cashless transactions. We also revamped and launched our hyperlocal business, BuyNearby, so that local retailers could take their stores online and not lose out on business during this pandemic.
For our colleagues and co-workers, 100% of us, including sales, are working from home. We have witnessed an overall increase in productivity as people have not only appreciated the key role that we are playing in these troubled times, but there has been a general sense of calm with more work life balance. When the playground is changed, rules must be changed quickly and early adoption along with coordinated engagement across all stakeholders is important for business continuity.
Q.3. Is the industry embracing new technologies to tide over this situation?
“Zero work from home” to “All work from home” was the biggest challenge during this pandemic. System and Data accessibility from outside the office environment, Whiteboard meetings/reviews, coordinated release plans all came as challenges to us. Being a technology company, we have some extra advantage to quickly make arrangements and adopt it, which otherwise is a huge challenge. Audio and Video conferencing are part of daily work life schedules. Paynearby not only provided digital payment infrastructure, it adopted a digital way of work life quite easily and early to be in the game for a longer run.
Q.4. Has the consumer behaviour changed and will it be permanent.
I believe that consumer behavior has certainly changed from “Just Spend” to “Need based spend”. Online shopping, food and grocery ordering have picked up with Digital payment adoption and will continue to exist. Online learning has become a part of life and none complaining. Am sure people are waiting for a Covid free country but this has taught all of us to re-look and re-orient business, work and behaviour.
Q.5. Is the consumer spending getting back on track?
Spent on luxury is almost zero and people are willing to save for the future. Essential and need based spending is slowly growing. I personally feel that demand for healthcare products are at all-time high. Likewise spent on home entertainment has grown.
Q.6. What do you see as a permanent change in the way FinTech Industry did business?
Work from home will certainly exist not only for us but most of the Technology companies across the Globe. Just not digital payment, digital work life will be a permanent change many organizations will adopt from a Business continuity perspective too.
Q.7. The future of your Industry - 2020 & Beyond.
Assisted banking, which Paynearby provides by re-skilling existing retail networks across India will continue to grow. Service deliveries at Nearby stores would be the most preferred mode for many fellow Indian. Apart from basic banking services like deposits and withdrawal, we also provide goal based savings and specific Insurance products designed for our target customers. Digital Cash availability in rural India and bringing them into formal banking channels will give larger growth to Industry. We are very excited about the future and see 10 to 15% growth potential month on month in all services that we currently offer.
“The views expressed by the interviewee are their own and may not necessarily represent views of employers and partners associated with the interviewee”.
Ekaga's Point of View
FinTech Industry in India is amongst the fastest growing FinTech markets in the world. Key government initiatives like UPI, Digital India coupled with Aadhar penetration has helped India to achieve the highest adoption rate for FinTech services across the globe. In India, FinTech is the second highest funded sector after E-commerce. The transaction value of the Indian FinTech market which stood at approximately $ 65 bn in 2019 is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% and jump to approximately $ 140 bn by 2023. By 2030, India will add 140 mn middle-income and 21 mn high-income households which will drive the demand and growth in the Indian FinTech space.
So while there were few initial challenges due to COVID, the Indian FinTech industry has been quick to adapt itself. The Direct Money Transfer and the revenue from sales of non essential items may continue to see some slump during this year, overall there will be an increase of digital payments as people become more wary about health and hygiene. The industry may also see a spike in Digital Lending and InsurTech, ensuring a balance between safety and financial inclusion.
The Indian FinTech will look into newer technologies towards contactless payments, mATM, AI and ML tools and process automation


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Back in November of last year, Amazon announced it was working on turning J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings novels into a TV series. Today Amazon is back in the news with much more regarding the upcoming series. Today the word comes down that two writers from Star Trek: Beyond and Godzilla vs. Kong have jumped on board with Amazon. According to Deadline, JD Payne and Patrick McKay will co-write the series. In a joint statement, the two stated: “The rich world that J.R.R. Tolkien created is filled with majesty and heart, wisdom and complexity.”
The statement goes on to read: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Amazon to bring it to life anew. We feel like Frodo, setting out from the Shire, with a great responsibility in our care — it is the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime.” Peter Jackson, who directed the film adaptation, said he is not involved, while Deadline stated: “conversations continue with Jackson about a potential involvement and about possibly filming the series on his sets in New Zealand.”
The series is not expected to take place in the same world as Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. It will instead focus on new storylines preceding J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring.” Expect much more on this coming soon. Give us your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for much more from Amazon coming very soon.


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Office Depot to Pay $35 Million for PC Malware Scam
Office Depot, which ranks 14th on Dealerscope’s forthcoming Top 101 CE Retailers list in 2019, along with a California-based tech support software provider that it did business with, were ordered to pay a total of $35 million to settle a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. That complaint, which was filed earlier this week, alleged that the companies used malware detection software to trick customers into buying millions of dollars worth of computer repair and technical services.
Office Depot will fork over $25 million while its software supplier, Support.com, will come up with the additional $10 million. The FTC said it intends to use those funds to provide refunds to duped consumers.
Per the complaint, Office Depot and Support.com worked together for nearly a decade, using a software program called PC Health Check to scan consumers’ computers for potential malware and other technical problems. The service, which was marketed as a free “PC check up,” was used as a way to get customers to purchase repair services from Office Depot and OfficeMax, Inc., which merged with Office Depot in 2013.
Support.com, which reportedly received tens of millions of dollars in revenue from Office Depot, would remotely perform the tech repair services once consumers made the purchase.
What the FTC alleged, though, is that while Office Depot claimed the program could detect malware symptoms on a customers computer, the actual results presented to the consumer were based entirely on whether they answered “yes” to one of the four questions they were presented with at the beginning of the PC Health Check program. Those questions included things like whether their computer ran slow, received virus warnings, crashed often, or displayed pop-up ads or other problems that prevented them from browsing the Internet.
Despite having no connection to the “malware symptoms” results, a “yes” answer would still present the consumer with recommended services at the end of the scan, which included detailed descriptions of tech services the customer was encouraged to purchase. Those services, according to the FTC, could cost upwards of several hundred dollars at a time.
The PC Health Check program was active dating as far back as 2009, according to the complaint, and was available until it was shut down in November 2016—and that’s despite the companies having knowledge of consumer (and employee) concerns about the program since at least 2012.
“Consumers have a hard enough time protecting their computers from malware, viruses, and other threats,” FTC Chairman Joe Simons said in a statement. “This case should send a strong message to companies that they will face stiff consequences if they use deception to trick consumers into buying costly services they may not need.”
What We’re Reading
- Budget airline Wow Air abruptly shut down and cancelled all flights, leaving passengers stranded at airports and overseas. (The Verge)
- So, what’s the fine print with the new Apple Card? (CNET)
- Canon announces the Ivy Cliq Plus, a digital instant camera and printer with custom clicks. (Digital Trends)


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Ride-hailing company Uber is massively expanding its Uber Green service with electric and hybrid cars in North America. After launching in 15 cities last September, Uber has announced plans to make the service available in 1,400 more cities across North America.
Tag : Uber
Hyundai Motor has entered into a strategic partnership with Uber in Europe, through which Hyundai will offer Uber drivers discounted access to its Ioniq Electric and Kona Electric models, as well as future all-electric vehicle models.
British electric vehicle developer Arrival is partnering with ride-hailing company Uber to build an electric car specifically for ride-hailing services, which is expected to go into production in the third quarter of 2023. However, the electric car is unlikely to be exclusive to Uber.
Nexport, BYD's Australian importer and distributor, has won the largest single electric vehicle order in Australia to date, for the supply of 3,000 e-vehicles from early 2022 to Splend, a provider of vehicle subscriptions for Uber drivers, among others.
Following in the footsteps of Hyundai, Kia Europe is now entering into a strategic partnership with ride-hailing company Uber, under which the car brand will offer electric models such as the e-Niro and e-Soul to Uber drivers in Europe at discounted rates.
Mobilize, Renault's new mobility brand announced in January, presents its projects for the next few years, including Duo, Bento and Hippo, three fully electric shared mobility vehicles for transporting people and goods.
UK electric vehicle developer Arrival has unveiled the first finished prototype of the Arrival Car, which is being developed with Uber specifically for the ride-hailing industry. Arrival will now begin testing the electric car and will incorporate feedback into the next design phase.


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In the wake of the Xbox One’s controversial policies being reversed by Microsoft in June, Gamespot reports that an online petition has been created asking Microsoft to “Give us back the Xbox One we were promised at E3”.
The petition’s creator, David Fontenot, plainly states his plea: “This was to be the future of entertainment. A new wave of gaming where you could buy games digitally, then trade, share or sell those digital licenses. Essentially, it was Steam for Xbox. But consumers were uninformed, and railed against it, and it was taken away because Sony took advantage of consumers uncertainty. We want this back. It can’t be all or nothing, there must be a compromise.”
At the time of writing, the petition has over 10 600 supporters.
Do you agree with Fontenot, or are you happy that Microsoft changed its mind in the wake of the fuss kicked up by gamers over the console’s most controversial features? Let us know in the comments.


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Why internet banking is becoming more popular
A new study has revealed that the current COVID-19 pandemic is pushing consumers to digitally interact with their banks, with banking institutions focused on customer experience gaining significant market traction.
According to the World Retail Banking Report 2020, 57% of consumers now prefer internet banking, up from 49% during the pre-COVID-19 period.
The report found that banks providing digital platforms find it up to two-times easier to unlock new sources of value, and improve operational efficiencies.
The Cooperative Bank of Kenya is one of the leading banking institutions offering efficient internet banking, making life much easier and convenient for customers especially with the current pandemic.
Through the new Co-op Internet Banking you can request for a new cheque book as well as set up or cancel a standing order.
And in case you happen to block or lose your Co-op Bank card, the new Co-op Internet Banking allows you to immediately secure your account.
With cashless payment becoming the new normal, the Co-operative Bank provides you with a platform to pay for nearly all your expenses through Co-op Internet Banking.
This includes buying airtime and internet bundles, paying for NHIF and other government bills as well as making cable TV payments.
Register for the new Co-op Internet Banking and Lipia Stima na maji bila worry.
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Join @citizentvke Telegram channel
Video Of The Day: KEMRI scientists examine safety of anti-malarial drugs in first trimester of pregnancy


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Vodafone Signs Partnership Deal in Thailand
Published on: 24th Mar 2009
Note -- this news article is more than a year old.
Vodafone and Thailand's DTAC have jointly announced that they have signed a Partner Market agreement. Under the terms of this agreement DTAC will have exclusive access to Vodafone's range of products devices and services in Thailand and will be able to draw on Vodafone's experience in supply chain management technology development the acquisition of enterprise customers as well as improved inter working between networks.
As part of a phased roll-out, Vodafone will be able to use DTAC's network to offer seamless voice and data roaming for its customers visiting Thailand through the use of ‘home' network capabilities. The two companies will cooperate to provide additional support to Vodafone Global Enterprise customers, many of whom have a presence in Thailand. In turn, Vodafone will provide DTAC customers with improved voice and data roaming access across 67 countries.
Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Vodafone Partner Markets, commented: "Through this agreement with DTAC, Vodafone will strengthen its presence and brand recognition across Asia and extend its product range to a key market. Mobile usage in Thailand is growing steadily and more of our customers require enhanced roaming services to and from the region."
Figures from the Mobile World report that DTAC ended last year with 18.7 million subscribers and a market share of around 30%.
Underlining the benefits of the partnership, Tore Johnsen, CEO of DTAC, said: "This partnership with Vodafone will enable our customers to benefit from joining one of the world's leading international mobile networks, whilst maintaining the advantages of being a local operator, supporting our strategy to best serve Thailand's population. This alliance will bring substantial benefits to our customers and shareholders, becoming a catalyst for expanding our service portfolio and improving our operational efficiency."
Across Asia, Vodafone has Partner Market agreements in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, with additional equity investments in India, Australia, New Zealand, China and Fiji.


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Microsoft bringing 256GB Surface Pro to US
The Surface RT sure has had its share of detractors, but for as many places where Microsoft missed the mark with this tablet, it sure came through with the Surface Pro. From hardware to software, the Pro version of the tablet rectified a whole bunch of our big issues with the Surface RT, and it’s since gotten even better: when launching the tablet in Japan, Microsoft revealed a new, high-capacity 256GB edition. So far relegated to Asia, that 256GB Surface Pro is about to become available to a lot more users, as Microsoft brings the tablet to the US.
WPCentral noticed the 256GB Pro showing its head on a retailer’s site, and managed to follow that up shortly with official confirmation from Microsoft.
The manufacturer claims that this version of the Surface Pro will have limited availability, and while we’re not yet sure just how restricted sales might be, you should still be able to get an order in online if you’re interested. Based on early retailer indication, expect to pay around $1200 for the tablet.
Of course, even with this additional Surface option you’ll still need to ask yourself: is now a smart time to buy any new Surface model, or will second-gen models be just around the corner? So far, we haven’t seen much hard evidence, but rumors make it seem like new Surface hardware could be just about to drop.


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How would you react to a news story like this? Long-established print newspapers such as The New York Times and The Washington Post have finally figured out how to make money on the internet, and they’ll soon be rolling out a new generation of online offerings, which will quickly put online news sites out of business.
For the past couple of years, similar narratives having to do with Tesla and the legacy automakers have been making the rounds. The idea is that the old-line original equipment manufacturers really are serious about producing and selling electric vehicles, and they’re going to take Tesla right out of the game.
On its face, the argument has some logic behind it. Big auto companies can leverage economies of scale and vast marketing resources of which Tesla can only dream. More importantly, most of these firms have practically bottomless financial resources - they could afford to lose money for years while developing the market for their new vehicles.
However, the argument falls apart when you consider the issue of motivation. Yes, Big Auto could do all these things, but over the past decade, it hasn’t done so, for reasons that I’ve written about at length. Despite the breathless warnings in the popular press, industry incumbents aren’t likely to substantially change their strategies until it’s far too late. In fact, looking at the facts about the vehicles, the companies, and the overall industry, the informed conclusion is that Tesla is more likely to be the predator than the prey, and BMW is likely to be the first victim.
It’s true that there’s a wave of new EVs coming from the German luxury brands. Furthermore, while all of these automakers have produced low-volume compliance cars in the past, they certainly appear to be a little more serious this time around.
Mercedes-Benz plans to invest $11.7 billion (€10 billion) in its upcoming EQ line of EVs over the next few years. The first of these will be the EQC, which is expected to go on sale in the US in 2020.
Audi is building up its in-house electric expertise - it developed the battery technology and drive system for its new e-tron quattro, which is to be launched in San Francisco this month and is to go on sale in Europe soon.
The Porsche Taycan, scheduled to go on sale late in 2019, has a number of exciting features, including 800-volt fast charging. Even BMW, which was an early EV pioneer but later lost interest, has announced plans to get back in the game with an electric crossover called the iNEXT that’s scheduled to go into production in 2021.
The advent of these new EVs is excellent news, and speaking as someone who has driven most of the plug-in vehicles out there, I am confident that they will all be excellent cars. In terms of range, performance and price, most are roughly comparable to Tesla’s offerings. However, there is no reason to believe that any of them will take any substantial number of sales away from the California carmaker. The Mercedes and BMW offerings won’t go on sale for a couple of years, by which time Tesla will have further upgraded its products. As for Jaguar Land Rover, Automotive News says it “can’t duplicate the media fascination and consumer passion for Tesla, and they don’t plan to try. There won’t be comparisons to the Model X in I-Pace ads or dealer communications.”
In any case, Jaguar is a fairly low-volume brand - its U.S. volume leader, the F-Pace, has been selling about 1,200 per month in 2018, a fraction of Model 3 sales. The Audi is expected to hit the U.S. next year, but Electrek, thinks it will be a tough sell, with the company’s gas-powered SUVs sitting next to it with price tags about 50 percent lower.
And that brings us to the real reason that Tesla need not fear. Legacy automakers are only producing EVs because governments are forcing them to (and to a lesser extent, because they perceive a long-term threat from Tesla). They produce just enough vehicles to satisfy regulators, meagerly advertise them, and work diligently behind the scenes eliminate the fuel economy and emissions regulations that caused them to build the EVs in the first place.
Unlike Kia and Fiat, most automakers don’t come right out and say, “Don’t buy our EVs,” but there’s little doubt that, if governmental pro-EV measures were to go away (as is likely to happen in the U.S.), at least at the federal level), the carmakers would quickly cancel their EV programs.
Finally, let’s look at the overall auto industry. To buy into the Tesla-killer fable, you need to believe that there’s a “car market” and an “electric car market,” and that every EV sold by Big Auto means one less EV sold by Tesla. This scenario might have made sense as long as EVs were less capable and more expensive than internal combustion engine vehicles. However, the tipping point of price and performance parity is fast approaching, thanks to Tesla’s innovations, and by the time the current crop of Tesla-taunters arrives at dealerships, that point will probably have passed. As more Model 3s, Chevy Bolts, Prius Primes and Clarity PHEVs hit the road, more consumers will see them, and more will start making the switch.
Consumer awareness of EVs is still quite low, but if Big Auto really does start advertising and marketing its electrified vehicles, that will change. Demand for Teslas will grow along with demand for EVs in general. Arguably, far from presenting a threat to Tesla, the new crop of competing EVs presents a huge opportunity.
Elon Musk has always known this. He’s said many times that he welcomes competition from the major automakers. In fact, he doesn’t even care whether your new car is a Tesla, as long as it’s electric.
Article originally published on evannex.com by Matt Pressman. EVANNEX offers aftermarket accessories, parts, and gear for Tesla owners. The Florida-based company also maintains a daily blog on the latest Tesla news.


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In yet another sign of its growing presence and success in the salad market, a third Chopt has opened on Long Island. The stores in Woodbury and New Hyde Park were officially joined last Thursday by a Chopt on Old Country Road in Garden City. On opening day, as is traditional with the fast casual chain, customers who made a donation to charity—in this case the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County — were rewarded with free salads.
The newest Chopt, in Westbury Plaza, is the 63rd for the chain, which opened its first store in 2001 in Union Square in Manhattan. The popularity of its salads and wraps has led to locations up and down the Eastern Seaboard.
Chopt is at 946 Old Country Rd. in Garden City, 516-274-7444, choptsalad.com. Opening hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. Other locations on the island are at 8285 Jericho Tpke in Woodbury (631-534-7065) and 1606 Marcus Ave. in New Hyde Park (516-519-8188).


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Melburnians have gathered in the CBD under beautiful winter sun to bid their lives farewell for the next six weeks.
Beers flowed through the city as people last gathered as part of a civilized society.
For many restaurants and bars, it is the last time they open completely, and many are already struggling with it.
Along Hardware Lane, towards Melbourne’s court, friends and families lined up for restaurants.
People continue to shop prior to Wednesday’s general closing in Melbourne. The streets of Melbourne were busy with people shopping and socializing last minute
Caitlyn Teresa (right) and Di Pasquale Teresa are dining out on Wednesday at Vons Restaurant and Bar in Hardware Lane in Melbourne’s CBD
Panic purchases grabbed part of Melbourne on Wednesday with people stocking toilet paper and other staples
Many have been seen embracing and openly ignoring the public distance requirements that have doomed them to incarceration.
In Degraves Street, in the heart of the city, cafes served their last lunchtime customers.
Flinders Street Station across the street was bustling with activity, with drinkers enjoying their last drink at the iconic Young & Jacksons.
Along the Yarra, pint met pint while colleagues drank away the afternoon.
From burger joints to Asian restaurants, there were crowds lining the streets to sit among friends and enjoy a simple meal.
Melbourne had come to life on Wednesday.
Thursday would come tomorrow.
When the sun went down, some Melburnians dared to get rid of their waste and pretend it was warmer.
It will be practically spring by the time most return to the streets of Melbourne.
As far as is known, it may be summer.
The joy of simple pleasures underlies the simple fact that the streets of Melbourne will be largely deserted again.
Customers face burgers outside a popular burger joint on Elizabeth St in Melbourne on Wednesday
A drinker will enjoy a last glass of white on Wednesday’s once-blooming Degrave’s Street in Melbourne’s CBD
Friends gathered on Degraves Street for one last lunch before the lockdown kicked off
Hardware Lane was also on the move on Wednesday. Some companies have resigned from never opening again after the last lock
And the companies that have embraced today will be largely closed.
Their employees – many of whom were just starting work – return to the COVID scrap yard.
Vons Restaurant and Bar manager Richard Gardner said the company would be lucky enough to survive the final shutdown.
The previous one had almost destroyed it.
Hardware Lane, where the restaurant competes in a competitive market, is popular with tourists.
Rents along the strip are high, and any business downturn could be deadly.
“This could end us,” said Mr. Gardner. “I think it will be the end for many companies. It is very sad. ‘
At a nearby table, sisters Caitlyn Teresa and Di Pasquale enjoy a birthday drink.
The wine bar along the avenue is bustling with customers.
Tomorrow they will come away like tears in the cold Melbourne rain.
In the suburbs, people overtook each other for coffee and something to eat together in their favorite cafes.
Men and women did their best and people ran into the gym.
Bring coffee and order food will soon be their lives again.
The ugliness of the closure was visible in supermarkets.
Hoarding had started hours after Prime Minister Daniel Andrews announced on Wednesday afternoon that he was shutting down the best part of the state.
Cole’s and Woolworths quickly implemented restrictions on regular household items.
Only “panic buyers” … or a coordinated robbery? Shoppers spot buying household items in various supermarkets at Melbourne’s COVID-19 hotspot
A family of shoppers was spotted in supermarkets in the western suburbs of Melbourne
Daily Mail Australia saw shoppers go to one supermarket, load their things and do the same at another
Melbourne returned to closed-zone panic buying on Wednesday.
In Werribee, some shoppers took it to low extremes that have not been seen since March when hoarders caused chaos for ordinary Victorians and indeed Australians.
A team of female shoppers, including a younger one, was noticed by Daily Mail Australia buying products already limited by supermarkets.
The group went from grocery store to grocery store, filling the drawers with toilet paper and other essential items before loading them into the car.
On Wednesday, supermarket chiefs condemned the hoarding of household products.
Matt Swindellstold, Coles’ Chief Operations Officer in Melbourne, said customers had no reason to panic when buying products.
He said if people continue to loot shelves, they may be forced to reenter specific shopping times for the vulnerable.
‘It is actually all the same behavior with toilet paper, pasta, rice, flour. So what I would describe as non-food supplies and pantry staples, “he said.
“And it’s all the products everyone has worked so hard on over the past few months … to rebuild those stocks and get us back to a normal position.”
Melbourne was busy with people in the CBD before it closed on Wednesday
Iain (right) Maggie (center) and Romy (left) enjoy a drink at Young and Jacksons in the Melbourne CBD on the last day before the closing of phase 3
Richard Gardner, manager of Vons Restaurant and Bar at Hardware Lane in Melbourne’s CBD on Wednesday
The supermarkets called for common sense, but the message was largely lost.
Again, the go-to products were toilet paper, ground beef, chicken, and items that supermarkets would normally replenish quickly.
Fresh vegetables flew from the shelves and sticked beer from the refrigerators.
People’s lines stretched outside supermarkets in Melbourne.
Older people scrambled for supplies in hopes of not having to return for some time.
But others were just downright dirty.
Once again there were shameless hoarders scooping stuff from various supermarkets.
At the high-rise towers just outside the city, residents hoped their nightmare would end in sight.
They couldn’t even leave their units since last Saturday.
Collecting food for them has become a cruel game of thought by their caretakers.
Ugly images from within their concrete walls have been overrun by social media.
As the sun went down over the West Gate Bridge, city commuters sat in on what would be their last traffic jam in the near future.
Unlike the last ending, Melburnians don’t go into the unknown.
There is nothing new about it.
This time it is pain.
A city hairdresser sees hair cut before the restrictions of phase 3 are closed
Crowds of people walk through Melbourne’s CBD and Bourke Street Mall on the last day before phase 3 closes
Crowds in the Bourke Street Mall on Wednesdays. Tomorrow it will be a ghost town
Grandparents tonight will hug their grandchildren on their birthdays and maybe kiss them goodbye for the last time.
This time it seems pointless. A blunder most place at the feet of their Prime Minister Daniel Andrews.
Former Detective Senior Sergeant Ron Iddles probably summed up best what many people in the city said.
The world-famous detective played a significant part in dealing with the government during his long and decorated career.
“Most started from hotel quarantines,” he wrote on Facebook hours before closing.
“People left without being tested. Who was in charge, the government. Now a judicial investigation into how this happened. Let’s not spend the money, certainly someone can raise their hands and take responsibility. ‘


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Rite Aid announces program to help seniors with Medicare Part D
CAMP HILL, Pa. With the 2008 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan open enrollment period beginning Nov. 15, Rite Aid on Monday announced that their pharmacies will look to playing a key role in educating seniors so they can make informed decisions about the best plan choice for their prescription needs.
“Rite Aid is committed to making sure our senior patients are fully educated and understand the Medicare prescription drug benefit,” stated Mark de Bruin, Rite Aid’s executive vice president of pharmacy. “We’ve teamed up with leaders in the managed care industry to create user friendly, detailed information on the Medicare Part D benefits as well as helpful step by step tips to help them determine the best Medicare Part D plan for their prescription needs. In addition, our 14,000 Rite Aid pharmacists are available to answer questions and offer explanation on the intricacies of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.”
All Rite Aid pharmacies are offering a free detailed Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Guide. In addition, Rite Aid pharmacists are trained on Medicare Part D to help seniors and caregivers navigate through the numerous plan options. Rite Aid also has a special website, www.riteaid.com/medicareadvisor, which allows patients to compare drug prices and get a complete list of plan options offered in their local area. Some Plans include a link to online enrollment forms.
To help educate its pharmacy patients 65 years and older on the various Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan options, Rite Aid has partnered with AARP/United Healthcare, Aetna and Wellpoint to provide detailed and useful in-store educational materials.
FDA approves KarmelSonix’s home asthma assessment device
KarmelSonix, a developer and marketer of asthmatic and pulmonary devices, has received Food and Drug Administration approval for its device, the WIM-PC.
KarmelSonix specializes in the analysis of sounds emitted from the body (specifically, wheezing) heard in asthmatic patients. The device consists of a sensor attached to the patient’s neck and chest near the windpipe, and a computerized system that analyzes the sounds and determines whether the sounds indicate a life threatening situation requiring the sufferer to be admitted to hospital, or whether the condition can treated at home or at a clinic.
The Australian-traded company is a merger of Karmel Medical and PulmaSonix. Founded in 1996 under the name Karmel Medical, the company has raised $8 million and it even received FDA approval for its device (a previous generation of the WIM-PC), but the company’s inability to market the product proved more difficult than anticipated. Karmel Medical eventually merged the company with an Australian shell called PulmaSonix, and a third company.
KarmelSonix recently raised $6 million (US$5.3 million) on the Australian Stock Exchange at around 17 cents per share in U.S. dollars.
Prestige announces revenue decline for Q2
IRVINGTON, N.Y. Second-quarter results for Prestige Brands were negatively affected by both the voluntary removal of two kids’ cough-cold products under the Little Remedies banner as well as diversion, the company stated during a conference call Thursday.
“During Q2, we uncovered diversion behavior by a small number of our international customers,” reported Mark Pettie, Prestige chairman and chief executive officer. “We immediately stopped sales to these customers and took other steps that make us confident that we have eradicated this behavior. However, the short-term result of this necessary action was an 18 percent decline in Q2 in international revenues versus year-ago.”
Prestige also reviewed its pricing lists to help prevent the cost differentials between markets that entice diverters. “We reviewed our price list across our entire customer base to make sure that there were no longer opportunities out there for this situation to present itself in other parts of the geography. It was isolated primarily to the Caribbean.”
Pettie said that despite this setback, the company would still focus on international growth opportunities.
Prestige’s net revenues for the second fiscal quarter ended Sept. 30 were $87.3 million, 3 percent higher than net revenues in the prior year comparable period. Net revenues for the quarter would have been 4 percent higher, and organic sales for the quarter would have been 2 percent higher than the prior year quarter were it not for the industry-wide voluntary withdrawal of infant cough/cold products in which the company participated. Accordingly, Prestige increased its allowance for estimated returns by $1.1 million and its allowance for obsolescence by $800,000 to reflect the two withdrawn items.
However, the recall of cough/cold products for toddlers under the age of two has not impacted the overall kids cough/cold market, Pettie said. “No. Absolutely not. Consumption of [other Little Remedies] products is staying exactly where we projected it at this point,” he said. “We will continue to monitor that as this unfolds. You can expect that media coverage of this will ebb and flow as FDA goes through its longer-term deliberations,” Pettie said.
The discussion for FDA now will focus on what happens with medicines marketed to children between the ages of two and six, Pettie said. “If [FDA] continues to allow [the industry] to market products to that segment, [Prestige] is ramped up and ready to go with our re-entry strategy. But it is probably going to be beyond this year’s cough/cold season before that ruling comes down.”
Prestige also reported that retailers have been slow to build inventory entering the 2007/2008 cough/cold season. “After two consecutive soft cough/cold seasons, many of our retailers appear to be shifting toward a more consumption-based ordering pattern,” Pettie said. “We welcome that in some regards, because it helps our supply chain as well.”
Looking forward, Prestige plans to grow its Chloraseptic brand beyond sore throat indications. “There is ample consumer evidence that we can push out beyond those [indications] so we are focusing on [new] items that would move Chloraseptic beyond its core heritage and at the same time build scale behind that very important brand.”


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In August last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally changed the status of the disputed Kashmir region of the country. It was an attempt to fully integrate the territory into India but riled many people living there as well as the Pakistani authorities which also claim sovereignty.
There has been no shortage of knock-on effects from this decision but as part of their efforts to enforce the new political reality on Kashmir, the Indian government took the step of shutting down the internet across the region.
Now, 157 days later, the internet remains shut off and the impact this has had on the people of Kashmir and the region’s economy has been profound.
The Kashmir internet shutdown
Internet access in Kashmir was cut in early August. Kashmir has a population of around 12.5 million people and for more than six months now they have been deprived of all the basic services and access to information that comes with an internet connection.
This is the longest ever internet shutdown in a democratic country and its impact has been devastating.
Journalists in Kashmir are struggling to do their job and as a result, information is scarce, communication is hard, and democracy in the region is struggling.
The economic impacts have been even more profound. On announcing the politician changes in Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi claimed he wanted to help Kashmir flourish as part of the wider Indian Republic.
But his internet block has bought the local economy to its knees. It has resulted in a rapid increase in unemployment and a massive drop in the regions sizable cottage industry economy which relies on internet sales to thrive.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry told VOA the regions heritage industry handicrafts sector has declined by 62% in just six months and says 50,000 artisans are now without work.
Many other businesses have been forced to reluctantly move out of the region in order to continue trading.
Losses in other sectors, including tourism and its once-vibrant fruit-growing economy are estimated to have cost the state economy US$1.5 billion in just half a year.
The figures coming out of Kashmir offer a stark illustration of just how vital internet access is to almost all sectors of the economy. This is the case, not just in Kashmir, but all around the world. It illustrates why internet freedoms are so vital and why letting governments switch the internet on and off is handing them a great and potentially devastating power.
The Indian government claims the shutdown is to help prevent terrorist attacks, a common excuse used by authoritarian regimes to justify taking such steps. Observers suggest it is intended to stop collective political protests, which seems far more likely.
At the time of writing, there is no sign of the Indian government planning to backtrack on the Kashmir internet shutdown, despite it still claiming that it is a temporary measure.
More communication controls in Kashmir
The order states that people must report to their nearest police station to register the groups and they will then be held responsible for any content shared in that group.
The local police claim the move is necessary to help prevent the sharing of ‘sensitive content which may pose [a] grave threat to peace and communal harmony in the district.’
There is no national law in India that currently requires people in India to register online groups so it is hard to see the justification for the move. There has also been no explanation of how it will be enforced.
It is the latest blow to WhatsApp users in Kashmir. Many groups are reported to have been deleted by WhatsApp as a result of being inactive for more than 120 days, something that is inevitable when you have no internet access.
Another law change that could smuggle in censorship powers
Meanwhile, prominent tech companies including Github, Cloudflare, and Mozilla have raised concerns with the Indian authorities about a new law which could affect countless online companies operating in India.
Back in 2018, the Indian government proposed changes to its intermediary rules that require any company which facilities communication between two or more people and has more than 5 million users in India, must set up a local office and have an executive who would be legally responsible for their actions.
It also required companies to be able to take down any content within 24 hours and share user data with the Indian authorities within 72 hours.
However, there are question marks over how this change would be compatible with US “safe harbor” laws and the Indian Information Technology Act 2000 which both protect companies from being liable for what their users put online.
Github, Cloudflare, and Mozilla have now written to the Indian IT Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, urging him to ensure the government are transparent with the final amendments to these new rules which are expected soon.
Their main fear is that the new rules could put in place a new tool for the Indian government to rapidly censor online content it is uncomfortable with.
Given the Indian government’s recent record in Kashmir and elsewhere, these concerns are understandable and online freedoms in India now appear to be under threat from all sorts of different angles.


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Has the utilized vehicle boom been a very good factor for the collision mend industry? On the a person hand cars that would have earlier been considered a complete reduction are being fixed, on the other hand a lot less autos staying scrapped has exacerbated the elements shortage. Even so the Australian wholesale utilized-vehicle costs are now on a sustained downtrend. The Datium Insights-Moody’s Analytics Used-Car or truck Price tag Index dropped to 171 in December, down 12% from its peak in May well. Amplified worldwide generation of new automobiles has enhanced supply and pushed the retreat in employed-vehicle rates.
Moody’s Analytics expects applied-motor vehicle charges to keep on falling by way of 2023 as the provide of new motor vehicles into Australia improved. Further downward stress on car rates will come from weaker domestic demand as the combination of growing borrowing prices and elevated inflation erodes the means of homes and companies to make big-ticket purchases.
The decline is driven by enhanced new-vehicle supply as the semiconductor shortage eases. In the course of 2021, a lack of electronic semiconductor chips place car field production into small gear for much more than a year, restricting worldwide car inventories. Confined inventories for new automobiles sent consumers to the utilized-auto industry, driving up rates. Even though worldwide car or truck production has not returned to pre-pandemic stages in Europe and Asia, there has been a good enhancement. For instance, vehicle generation in Japan was 35% earlier mentioned 2021 ranges in Oct but remained 11% down below 2019 output.
Improved worldwide provide has allowed elevated volumes of new autos into Australia. During the third quarter, Australians imported a overall of $7.3 billion truly worth of motor cars and trucks, in accordance to the Australian Bureau of Data. This signifies a 29% increase compared with the 3rd quarter of 2021.
For 2023, Moody expects that the source of new autos will continue to maximize, even more easing pressures in the next-hand industry. Lately, Toyota announced it expects to surpass its pre-pandemic generation level in 2023.
Weaker demand from customers
Demand for new and utilized autos will weaken above 2023. Australian homes are beneath force from mounting borrowing costs. Home consumption is even now upbeat in Australia thanks to the tight labour current market, with the unemployment charge hovering all over its most affordable stage on file. But labour industry circumstances will soften in excess of the 12 months as tighter financial plan settings filter via. The Reserve Bank of Australia has already injected 300 basis points’ well worth of price hikes given that May possibly 2022. A more 25-basis stage hike is predicted in February, bringing the dollars price to 3.35%. Households will significantly experience bigger borrowing expenditures this calendar year as mounted-rate residential home loans are renegotiated and labour market situations amazing. Additional pressure is coming from high costs for nondiscretionary products, which includes meals and vitality. Inflation is envisioned to have peaked in the December quarter of 2022 but will slowly great around this year and not return to the Reserve Financial institution of Australia’s focus on array until 2024.


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Etihad's new plan is to double in size, says CEO
Interesting interview in AviationWeek with Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves, on the carrier’s new strategy. Instead ...
Air traffic controllers, flight crews, and pilots have joined the protests gripping Hong Kong. The result has been severe delays for the world’s busiest cargo gateway as hundreds of flight cancellations have been forced upon it. While flag-carrier Cathay Pacific has yet to cancel any freighter services, it has warned that all-cargo flights may experience delays. Today alone, Air Cargo News reports, more than 100 passenger services have been cancelled, with six freighter flights axed by the likes of Emirates, Etihad, Nippon Cargo, Polar Air Cargo and UPS.
Container freight rates: 'collapse' is the word, says Xeneta
CMA CGM liner trades pummelled in Q1 – and there's worse to come
Mexican rail seizures give near-shoring interests pause for thought
Cargo shifts back to US west coast ports, but some has gone for good
Worker no-shows force US west coast port terminal shutdowns
Digital forwarders back in the spotlight: can they compete?
Major box lines still fighting over diminishing supply of smaller ships
'Alarming signals' as airfreight capacity rises and rates fall
Hapag-Lloyd CEO bullish on prospects for a peak season
Hapag-Lloyd kicks off its ship demolition programme
Evergreen and Wan Hai face up to bearish market as profits tumble
FedEx pilots win ‘tentative agreement’ on new contract after strike threat
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|Visitors examine products of the Ha Tay Pharmaceutical JSC at a recent exhibition in Ha Noi. The country has set an ambitious target of having medicines made in Viet Nam accounting for 80 per cent of the nation's consumption by 2020. — VNA/VNS Photo Quy Trung
HA NOI (VNS) — The latest development plan for the pharmaceutical industry sets ambitious targets that can create growth opportunities, but could also prove difficult for local firms to achieve, experts say.
They told Viet Nam News that the plan's feasibility would depend on follow up support policies from the Government.
A prominent target in the plan is to have medicines made in Viet Nam to account for 80 per cent of the nation's consumption by 2020.
The plan also targets having 30 per cent of the locally made drugs use traditional materials.
The "National Strategy for Pharmaceutical Industry Development till 2020 with a vision to 2030" was approved recently by the Prime Minister.
Other targets include ensuring 100 per cent supply of medicines needed to prevent and treat diseases, and meeting 20 per cent of materials demand for locally produced medicine.
The plan also seeks to have locally-made vaccines meet the needs of the National Expanded Programme for Immunisation as also 30 per cent of the demand for paid vaccinations.
Officials say the plan is a positive one for the domestic pharmaceutical industry as also disadvantaged sections of the society, especially the poor and people living in remote and mountainous areas.
"The strategy aims to provide sufficient, safe medicines at reasonable prices to meet the country's demand for disease prevention and treatment," Truong Quoc Cuong, director of the health ministry's Drug Administration of Viet Nam, told Viet Nam News.
"Priority would be given to supply medicines for social welfare policy beneficiaries, ethnic minorities and poor people in mountainous and remote areas," he said.
Cuong also said that the pharmaceutical law will be revised with a focus on encouraging the production and use of locally manufactured medicines through standardisation of trading rules and application of good practice standards.
Policies to promote research, production, import and export of essential medicines will be issued as part of the efforts to provide high-quality medicine at reasonable prices, he said.
Cuong said the country's pharmaceutical industry would be developed with a focus on production of generic medicines. Imported drugs would, step by step, be replaced by locally produced ones, he added.
"Policy priority will be given to the production, supply and use of generic medicines, specific drugs, vaccine and biological products and drugs from traditional medicine materials. Import of pharmaceutical materials and generic medicine would be limited for medicines produced in the country."
The Government will also support the use of locally manufactured medicine with funds from the State Budget and through health insurance schemes, he said.
Le Thuy Linh, a housewife in Ha Noi, said she was happy with what she had heard about the new plan because it would benefit many people, especially those in rural areas.
"I hope that everybody will be provided sufficient medicines at reasonable prices and with good quality instead of imported ones at cut-throat prices," she said.
Several pharmaceutical experts said that some targets mentioned in the plan would be difficult to achieve.
They said an increase of more than 30 per cent in the country's total medicine consumption within the next seven years presents a tall order for local drug companies.
Local firms would find it tough to expand their market share, increase product quality, establish trademarks and compete against imported products, the experts said.
The Health Ministry has acknowledged that the local pharmaceutical industry faces a lot of disadvantages in competing with foreign companies because of modest capital resources at their disposal, a shortage of pharmacists and outdated technology.
Studies have also noted that domestic investment in pharmaceutical research and development is miniscule and medicines are mostly produced using imported materials.
Industry insiders are ambivalent about the strategy, with some skeptical about its feasibility and others optimistic about development opportunities.
Traphaco JSC General Director and Chairwoman Vu Thi Thuan told Viet Nam News that the strategy would boost development of local firms thanks to the Government's support in terms of policy and financial resources.
"International experience shows that there is no country except Switzerland, where locally manufactured medicines dominate imported ones," she said.
Thuan also said that consumers would decide the fate of the strategy through the choices they make.
"Success of the strategy would depend on a change in Vietnamese people's awareness and belief in local medicine which, in turn, would depend on the success or failure of the programme encouraging Vietnamese people to use drugs made in the country."
Chairman and CEO of the Hau Giang Pharmaceutical Company, Pham Thi Viet Nga, said that the strategy was a very good sign for local pharmaceutical firms.
"However, its feasibility would depend much on the government's future policies for supporting local drug firms in competing with foreign companies," she said.
Nga said local pharmaceutical firms have the daunting challenges of the people's lack of confidence in locally manufactured medicine and unfair competition between themselves. The Government also limits local firms' spending on promotion, she said.
Cuong of the Drug Administration of Viet Nam agreed that implementing the strategy effectively would be a challenging task, especially in the perfecting of mechanisms, policies and master plans so that achievements can be sustained and investment in the industry increased.
The country also faced a shortage of human resources and the limited investment and research capabilities of local firms, he said.
Health Ministry statistics show that Viet Nam currently has 121 western medicine manufacture factories and 17 making traditional medicines that have met the World Health Organisation's Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
In 2012, the value of locally manufactured medicines made up 46 per cent of the nation's total consumption.
"They (local drug firms) would have to work hard to increase output in order to account for 80 per cent of the country's total medicine consumption and 100 per cent of vaccines for the immunisation programme," Cuong said.
He said planners had made an effort to ensure that the strategy's targets, solutions and measures were realistic, adding that although it would take a lot of effort, they were achievable. — VNS


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The biggest fresh garlic producer in the nation is giving its employees a hefty raise, reflecting the desperation of farmers to attract a dwindling number of farmworkers.
Christopher Ranch, which grows garlic on 5,000 acres in Gilroy, Calif., announced recently that it would hike pay for farmworkers from $11 an hour to $13 hour this year, or 18%, and then to $15 in 2018. That’s four years earlier than what’s required by California’s schedule for minimum wage increases.
Ken Christopher, vice president at Christopher Ranch, said the effect of the move was immediately obvious. At the end of last year, the farm was short 50 workers needed to help peel, package and roast garlic. Within two weeks of upping wages in January, applications flooded in. Now the company has a wait-list 150 people long.
“I knew it would help a little bit, but I had no idea that it would solve our labor problem,” Christopher said.
He said the farm has been trying, without success, to draw new workers since 2014. Human resources frantically advertised open farm-labor positions, posting help-wanted ads online and urging employees to ply their networks for potential recruits. Nothing came of it.
Read the full article: “How this garlic farm went from a labor shortage to over 150 people on its applicant waitlist”
Related NAE Report: A Vanishing Breed: How the Decline in U.S. Farm Laborers Over the Last Decade Has Hurt the U.S. Economy and Slowed Production on American Farms


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Binance has announced plans to support Bitcoin Ordinals inscriptions on its NFT marketplace later this month. This move marks Binance's entry into the rapidly growing Bitcoin-based parallel NFT market.
The update to Binance's NFT marketplace will be rolled out in the coming weeks, allowing users to buy and trade Ordinals inscriptions using their Binance accounts. In March, the NFT marketplace expanded its range of supported networks by adding select NFT collections from Polygon to the platform.
Binance's Head of Product, Mayur Kamat, sees the prepared listing to be a significant development. Kamat commented:
" is the OG of crypto. We believe things are just getting started here and can't wait to see what the future holds in this space."
Several inscriptions marketplaces have emerged as a result of Ordinals' initial surge in popularity, including Ordswap, Ordinals Market, and Ordinals Wallet. Magic Eden, the largest Solana NFT marketplace, was the first among established platforms to enter the Ordinals market, launching an inscriptions marketplace in March.
Binance's NFT marketplace announcement comes just days after the exchange temporarily paused Bitcoin withdrawals due to network congestion, while its competitors remained fully operational. when Bitcoin transaction fees were at a high, and the network's mempool—where transactions wait to be verified—was heavily backlogged.
Many in crypto Twitter (CT) believe that transactions related to BRC-20 tokens were contributing to the network congestion. BRC-20 tokens, which are built and traded using Ordinals, use text-based inscriptions instead of image-based ones, just like Bitcoin NFTs. Currently, Binance's Bitcoin NFT marketplace does not support BRC-20 tokens.
In recent weeks, image-based inscriptions have been eclipsed by Bitcoin-based tokens and text-based inscriptions. On Sunday, 99.7% of inscriptions made through Ordinals were text-based, according to a Dune dashboard. Simultaneously, 65% of all Bitcoin transactions were related to BRC-20 tokens, as reported by another Dune dashboard.
The excitement surrounding BRC-20 tokens intensified on Monday as Ordi, the first BRC-20 token launched as an experiment in March, was listed on cryptocurrency exchanges Crypto.com and Gate.io. Binance's support for Ordinals inscriptions signals its commitment to staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
The addition of Ordinals inscriptions to Binance's NFT marketplace represents a significant milestone in the expansion of digital assets on the Bitcoin blockchain. As we dive deeper into the world of Ordinals and the underlying technology, it's important to understand how this development will impact Binance users and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.
on the Bitcoin blockchain are often referred to as "digital artifacts," and they represent a different approach to NFTs compared to the more familiar Ethereum-based NFTs. Ordinals are created by inscribing satoshis, the atomic units of a Bitcoin, with digital artifacts or machine-readable language. This process aligns with the immutable nature of the Bitcoin blockchain.
The , initiated by Casey Rodarmor, a former blockchain developer at Chaincode Labs for Bitcoin Core, offers a new perspective on the concept of NFTs. The project documentation states, "Digital artifacts are permissionless. An NFT which cannot be sold without paying a royalty is not permissionless, and thus not a digital artifact." This distinction highlights the unique characteristics of Ordinals as opposed to traditional NFTs.
As Binance adds support for Ordinals inscriptions to its NFT marketplace, users will have access to a new type of digital asset that is more closely tied to the Bitcoin blockchain. Unlike Ethereum-based NFTs, which often rely on off-chain data from the Interplanetary File System (IPFS), Bitcoin Ordinals do not require off-chain connections. This development represents a significant technical advancement within the digital asset space, addressing a previously unresolved (or, to some extent, unrealized) challenge in the Bitcoin blockchain.
The process of creating Ordinals inscriptions involves inscribing satoshis with arbitrary content, resulting in bitcoin-native digital artifacts without the need for a sidechain or separate token. These inscribed satoshis can be transferred using bitcoin transactions, sent to bitcoin addresses, and held in bitcoin UTXOs. The transactions, addresses, and UTXOs are treated as normal bitcoin entities, with the exception that transactions must control the order and value of inputs and outputs according to ordinal theory.
Binance's decision to support Ordinals inscriptions on its NFT marketplace is a testament to the growing interest and excitement surrounding this new form of digital asset. As Yuga Labs, the creator of the popular NFT collection, said, "Stepping into the Ordinals Discord a month ago felt like getting a glimpse of the 2017-era Ethereum NFT ecosystem. It’s the type of energy and excitement we love."
With the addition of Ordinals inscriptions to Binance's NFT marketplace, users can expect a more diverse range of digital assets available for trading and collecting. The integration of this innovative Bitcoin-based technology also signals the exchange's commitment to staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. The support for Bitcoin Ordinals could be a harbinger of even more groundbreaking developments in the space.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.


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As the gaming industry expands, unionization is becoming more prevalent among its workers in order to address issues such as long hours, lack of job security, and low pay.
There has also been a rise in union elections and complaints of unfair labor practices, as unionization efforts are being seen at major companies like Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., and Starbucks Corp.
Here’s a list of the unionized video game studios, as reported by Polygon.
See also: Biden 'Proud' Of Apple Workers Joining Maryland Union
Activision Blizzard ATVI has three unions (all of which are composed solely of quality assurance workers) and two of them were officially recognized through National Labor Relations Board elections.
Workers at the company — known for titles like “Call of Duty” and “World of Warcraft” — organized a walkout of over 1000 employees to protest alleged sexism and harassment in July 2021.
See also: Microsoft's Pending Activision Blizzard Deal Faces New EU Antitrust Challenge: Report
Formerly known as Vicarious Visions, Blizzard Albany was the second within Activision Blizzard to unionize, thanks to the quality assurance workers that won 14-0 in the December 2022 vote. The union is now moving forward to negotiate a contract with Activision Blizzard.
Raven Software was the first studio within Activision Blizzard to unionize in January 2022, after employees organized a walkout to protest “unfair layoffs.”
On its webpage, the union (called Game Workers Alliance), states: “Our focus is on improving the conditions of workers in the video game industry by making it a more sustainable, equitable place where transparency is paramount. Additionally, we advocate for our disenfranchised and minority workers by creating a diverse space to let their voices be heard in solidarity.”
Proletariat, the Boston-based video game developer, was acquired by Blizzard Entertainment in 2022.
Like the other unionized studios at Activision Blizzard, Proletariat is represented by the Communications Workers of America, as per Polygon.
Microsoft Inc MSFT signed a neutrality agreement with the CWA after announcing its intent to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion on Jan. 18, 2022. Even though this could be viewed as an attempt to facilitate the deal through the Federal Trade Commission, it may still benefit Microsoft employees and could be beneficial for Activision Blizzard’s workers in the future.
See also: Microsoft Slashes Workforce After Denying Layoff Plans, Narrows Focus In Response To Macro Pressures: 'It's Showtime'
“As we enter a new year, we remain committed to creating the best workplaces we can for people who make a living in the tech sector. When both labor and management bring their voices to the bargaining table, employees, shareholders and customers alike benefit," Microsoft and CWA said in a joint advertisement.
The Rockville, Maryland-based company owns publisher Bethesda Softworks.
Three hundred of its workers are unionized under the CWA with the name ZeniMax Workers United, and parent company Microsoft recognizes the union.
Los Angeles-based Tender Claws announced the creation of the Tender Claws Human Team in July 2022.
The union has recognition from the CWA and the entire proposed unit supported the effort.
Tender Claws is an award-winning indie studio responsible for the game “Virtual Virtual Reality.”
Continue reading: If You Invested $1,000 In Microsoft When The Rock Unveiled The Xbox, You'd Have This Much Now
Photo: by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.
© 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


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Punj Lloyd today announced that it has bagged Rs 120 crore contract from the government for the supply of full-body truck scanners.
"Punj Lloyd has won a prestigious order worth Rs 120 crore for the supply and commission of five full body truck scanners (FBTS) from the Ministry of Home Affairs," the conglomerate said.
The FBTS can locate hidden arms, ammunition, explosives, detonators and IEDs. The scanner can also detect fake currency and narcotics.
The company, in a filing to BSE, said that with the bagging of this project it will be the first firm operating in the private sector to install X-Ray based scanners at the borders of the country.
"This is our first order in homeland security and is extremely significant as it will enhance the national security ... by fortifying our borders against illegal activities," company's chairman Atul Punj said adding that the scanners will be manufactured at company's unit at Malanpur.
(This article has not been edited by Zeebiz editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
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USD2.1 trillion on digital information this year
BUSINESS| July 28, 2012, 7:50 p.m.
Consumers will spend USD2.1 trillion worldwide on digital information and entertainment products and services in 2012, according to Gartner.
This amounts to a USD114 billion global increase compared with 2011. Gartner says spending will continue to grow at a faster rate than in the past, at around USD130 billion a year, to reach USD2.7 trillion by the end of 2016.
The USD2.1 trillion consists of what the consumers will spend on mobile phones, computing and entertainment, media and other smart devices, the services that are required to make these devices connected to the appropriate network, and software and media content that are consumed via these devices.
"The three largest segments of the consumer technology market are, and will continue to be, mobile services, mobile phones and entertainment services," said Amanda Sabia, principal research analyst at Gartner. "There are two product classes, which in terms of absolute dollars are significantly smaller, but offer tremendous growth by 2016. These are mobile apps stores and e-text content. We fully expect consumers to more than triple their spending in these latter two categories by 2016."
Mobile services are expected to generate 37% of total worldwide consumer technology spending in 2012. Entertainment services, cable, satellite, IPTV and online gaming, will account for 10% of total consumer spending on technology products and services in 2012.
Gartner predicts that consumer spending on mobile apps stores and content will rise from USD18 billion in 2012 to USD61 billion by 2016, and that spending on e-text content (e-books, online news, magazines and information services) will rise from USD5 billion in 2012 to USD16 billion by 2016.
"Our research consistently shows that consumers are willing to pay for content they deem "worth it,"Sabia said. "However, our research has also found that consumers are willing to tolerate an ad-supported business model in exchange for free functions and content such as personal cloud storage, social networking, information searching, email, IM, person-to-person (P2P) voice (Skype and mobile voice over IP [VoIP]), streaming/downloading video and musical content when accessing the Internet."
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The manufacturing industry is on the brink of a major revolution thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Automakers are embracing these advancements to improve production quality and streamline processes, in response to the need for increased efficiency and rising labor costs. As a result, the AI in Manufacturing Market is predicted to reach a value of USD 20.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 45.6% from 2023-2028.
The integration of big data, industrial robots, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is driving the growth of AI in manufacturing. This combination allows manufacturers to handle large and complex datasets, optimize production processes, and achieve higher levels of automation. The emergence of industrial IoT and automation technology has also contributed significantly to market expansion.
Computer vision technology is crucial for predictive maintenance and machinery inspection, holding the largest market share throughout the forecast period. Manufacturers can use computer vision to detect defects and predict maintenance needs, ensuring optimal equipment functioning and reducing costs. Given its increasing significance, computer vision technology is expected to grow at a higher CAGR.
The automotive industry is at the forefront of AI adoption to improve vehicle production quality. Automakers are using AI, computer vision, and machine learning to streamline processes, enhance quality control, and improve safety. By incorporating AI, automakers can achieve precision and efficiency, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the AI in Manufacturing Market. This is due to rapid industrialization, substantial e-commerce growth, and increasing demand for AI-driven solutions. Rising labor costs and the need for technological advancements further contribute to the region’s booming manufacturing sector.
In this AI-driven revolution, hardware such as MPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, and ASICs are in high demand. GPUs, with their parallel computing capabilities, are particularly sought after. The hardware segment is projected to exhibit a higher CAGR, highlighting the crucial role of advanced processors in enabling AI capabilities in manufacturing.
Leading the AI in Manufacturing Market are industry giants Siemens, IBM, Intel Corporation, NVIDIA Corporation, and General Electric Company. These key players are at the forefront of innovation, developing cutting-edge AI solutions that revolutionize manufacturing processes and drive industry-wide transformation.
In conclusion, the integration of AI, computer vision, and machine learning is revolutionizing the manufacturing sector. These AI-driven solutions empower manufacturers to achieve efficiency and productivity by handling big data, optimizing production, and enhancing quality control. With rising labor costs and advancing technology, the AI in Manufacturing Market is poised for substantial growth. The Asia Pacific region, with its rapid industrialization and e-commerce growth, is emerging as a key player in this transformative journey. With industry leaders leading the way, the future of manufacturing is set to be driven by the power of artificial intelligence.


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Sainsbury’s has removed more than 15 tonnes of plastic from its Halloween range this year.
The retailer has eliminated plastic lamination from its paper plates and bowls, replaced its plastic ‘trick or treat’ buckets with paper ones and removed plastic packaging from decorations such as lights and hangings.
In addition, the supermarket is encouraging less food waste to take place by only selling edible pumpkins and is providing recipes to keep the squashes from going in the bin.
Stephen Johnson, Head of Technical at Sainsbury’s said: “As the UK’s love of the spooky holiday grows, it’s really important that we celebrate in a way that’s considerate for the planet.
“We’re committed to reducing plastic packaging across branded and our own brand products by 50% by 2025 and halving food waste across our value chain by 2030, which is why we continue to look at ways we can reduce our impact not only in our business but by helping our customers do the same.”


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Hazelwood Elementary students receive free socks and shoes
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - Students within one Jefferson County Public School were able to take home a new pair of socks and shoes for free.
At Hazelwood Elementary on Friday, 500 students took home a book bag with athletic shoes, socks and a note of encouragement written by a volunteer.
The event was sponsored by the nonprofit group Samaritan’s Feet and Republic Airways.
Samaritan’s Feet started in 2003 to give children shoes as a foundation to a spiritual and healthy life.
“Well, they’re very excited because a lot of these kids might not have something that is just theirs,” Lauren McNally, Hazelwood Elementary’s School Family Resource Center Coordinator said. “They might be sharing shoes with other siblings, so they have something that is just theirs. We’re making a really big deal about it, and I think that makes it even more special that like all of these people came here just for them to give them new shoe, so they’re just so excited.”
Hazelwood Elementary was chosen for the event as many students were noticed wearing shoes that were too small, too big or even falling apart.
For more information on Samaritan’s Feet, click or tap here.
Copyright 2023 WAVE. All rights reserved.


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Calif gov to promote Silicon Valley World Expo bid
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger envisions the 2020 World Expo in Silicon Valley, and he’s planning to pitch the idea at the current expo in Shanghai this week.
Schwarzenegger spokesman Jeff Macedo says the governor will promote a plan to bring the exposition to the state for the first time since 1940. It would also be the first World Expo in the United States since 1984, when New Orleans hosted.
The event, which is held every five years, is a venue for countries to showcase their innovation and technology.
Local advocates say the expo could be a boost for the state, bringing infrastructure improvements and promoting global commerce in a region known as a high-technology powerhouse.
Schwarzenegger’s weeklong trip to China, Japan and South Korea begins Thursday.


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U.S. stock futures are falling as comments from Donald Trump on North Korea and trade with China dent sentiment; Target, Lowe's and Tiffany report earnings; casino workers in Las Vegas vote to authorize a strike.
So much for that market rally. Here is some quick analysis on key news ahead of Wednesday's trading session. Always be prepared.
TheStreet's founder and Action Alerts PLUS Portfolio Manager Jim Cramer weighs in on Tuesday's trending market topics from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
Pegasystems founder and CEO Alan Trefler talks with TheStreet about his red-hot stock price and outlook for the tech industry.


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Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 may be coming soon
In the discrete GPU market, Nvidia has a clear advantage over AMD in terms of market share and this is especially true in the notebook market. Systems with dedicated Radeon GPUs are becoming increasingly rare as most manufacturers tend towards Nvidia solutions. The current upper-midrange GTX 1050 series and up caters to gamers with impressive results.
The lower range, however, is still dominated by the aging Maxwell 930MX and 940MX based on the even older 930M and 940M, respectively. Needless to say, new lower-end Pascal GPUs from Nvidia are essentially overdue.
Now, first indications of a GeForce GT 1030 are appearing online. According to Chinese website Expreview.com, the desktop GT 1030 will compete directly against the recently released AMD Radeon RX 550. The Nvidia GPU is expected to include 512 unified shaders, a 128-bit bus, GDDR5 VRAM, and a 30 W TDP. In comparison, older low-end Maxwell GPUs are limited by a 64-bit bus, so the GT 1030 should represent a significant increase in graphics performance. If true, the GT 1030 should be suitable for mainstream multimedia notebooks.
No notebooks have been announced with the GT 1030 GPU as of this writing as many manufacturers are still shipping Kaby Lake systems alongside older Maxwell GPUs. The latest HP Pavilion refresh, for example, will be shipping with the 940MX instead of the much more powerful GTX 1050.


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Boulder City, Colorado — Amerityre, which makes polyurethane tyres for industrial applications, experienced an 11% fall in sales in the first quarter of 2019, but gross profit fell less steeply.
The company sold $827,000 worth of products in the 2019 quarter, compared with $926,000 in the 2018 quarter. Gross profit was down by 3% to $266,000.
Amerityre cut $90 m from the inputs needed to make its products.
Below the gross profit level, that 14% in costs of revenues was dwarfed by a 60% reduction in R&D expenditure in the quarter. The company spent $23,000, compared with $58,000 in the 2018 quarter.
There was a 14% reduction in sales and marketing costs in the quarter, too. This saved a further $15,000 in costs. Meanwhile, general, sales and administration costs were cut by 3%.
Amerityre said that demand for its light-duty polyurethane foam tyres for golf carts and baggage carts continued in the quarter, and that it expects this to continue.
However, polyurethane elastomer industrial tyres contributed negligible revenue during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. 'We intend to continue promotion of these products in our target market,' it said.
The company reported that several customers purchased samples of its Elastothane tyres in the final quarter of 2018. These are more wear-resistant, and can carry heavier loads than its standard closed cell tyres. 'We expect more customers to order tyres made in this formulation as the year progresses,' the company said.
Low farm income continued to hit sales in the agricultural division. The company added: 'With the recent introduction of tariffs by China on US farm products, the prospects for improved agricultural prices is not promising.'
|Amerityre Q3 2018 ($ 000)|
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Sports betting wagering and systems operator Sportech has announced in its latest trading update that it has rejected a takeover bid for its Football Pools division.
Last week The Times UK broke the news that Sportech governance was reviewing a takeover bid for the Football Pools. Sportech released the following corporate statement with regards to the bid
“Following recent media articles, the board confirms that it has received an approach for The Football Pools which it has rejected as it did not match our valuation of the division.”
Sportech senior management stated that the company was focused on halting the decline of the Football Pools by further investing in new technology, user engagement, improved content and new marketing. The operator released the following update on the products performance
“The Football Pools is performing in line with management’s expectations. In the direct business channel, new subscription player recruitment is continuing with 8,400 new players to date in 2015, which is 10% higher than last year, with online acquisitions driving the growth and now making up around 60% of all new acquisitions”.
“The online customers are acquired at a much lower cost and represent a far greater cross sell opportunity than telephone acquired customers. In line with management’s plan to deliver stability in earnings, direct channel revenues are slightly ahead of prior year, with the increase in weekly revenues per customer exceeding the overall reduction in player numbers.”